Barnstaple Guildhall

09/04/2026

Want to become part of Barnstaple's Civic History?

Barnstaple Town Council is inviting expressions of interest for the civic appointment of Beadle of the Bell. Step into a unique ceremonial role, represent your town with pride, and help bring tradition to life.

Read the role description and see if its the right fit for you. To register your interest, check out our website: https://www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/2026/03/beadle-of-the-bell/?fbclid=IwY2xjawREmFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUNHN5TUN3NnhIMk5zWFdac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlEjjnWuWGKzHajIug6M6as3d6wzbSFBXxndpCMm-nTyEj0MYZ0s81LEUZHn_aem_bh8CzzgdnE2nlsffu3OnoA

We're looking to appoint a Beadle of the Bell for our Civic Events! 💫

This opportunity would suit someone confident, personable, and enthusiastic, who enjoys public speaking, connecting with people and professionally representing the town.

Head online to for more info and to complete an expression of interest 👉️
https://www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/2026/03/beadle-of-the-bell/

12/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our International Women's Day exhibition!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Barnstaple Guildhall for our International Women’s Day exhibition, 'Breaking Boundaries.' 💜

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones while celebrating the remarkable women who helped shape history, including those whose stories have too often been forgotten. ✨📜

23/02/2026

As we’re preparing for our International Women’s Day Exhibition we thought we would look at the heroic actions of several women in the North Devon area who put their lives at risk to try and save others from drowning. Annie Lord, Lady Hilda McNeil, Lilian Shaddick, and Rosemary Donaldson all put the lives of others before their own and were given awards for their bravery. To find out more about these inspirational women have a look at our Heritage Blog: https://www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/heritage-and-culture/heritage-blog/

19/01/2026

Following on from last month’s blog post, this month we’re looking at the history of the cottage homes in Barnstaple. These homes were created across the country to get children out of the workhouse and were early precursors to modern children’s homes. In Barnstaple 3 cottage homes were opened in 1902 on Alexandra Road not far from the workhouse. To find out more about the cottage homes in Barnstaple then have a look at our Heritage Blog:
https://www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/heritage-and-culture/heritage-blog/

17/12/2025

✨🎄Christmas in Barnstaple🎄✨

Recently Barnstaple Heritage Team have come across several photos in our collection showing the children from Barnstaple Cottage Homes celebrating Christmas in the 1930s. Cottage homes were early precursors to modern children’s homes and were created in many places to get children out of the workhouse. During the Christmas period, many members of Barnstaple’s community came together to provide Christmas and New Year’s celebrations for the children. To find out more about Christmas at the cottage homes in Barnstaple then have a look at our Heritage Blog

https://www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/heritage-and-culture/heritage-blog/

12/08/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by this weekend! 🏰

07/08/2025

⚠️ Event Update ⚠️

Unfortunately, Barnstaple: A Medieval & Tudor Journey is cancelled today (Thurs 7th Aug) due to unforeseen circumstances.

We’re hopeful the event will be back on tomorrow and the rest of the weekend, so please keep an eye on our socials for updates.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

06/08/2025

We're really looking forward to our FREE Exhibition tomorrow in the Guildhall!

Explore Barnstaple: A Medieval & Tudor Journey. 💫

Thurs 7th - Sun 10th August, 11am-3pm.

Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Barnstaple – from its medieval roots to the Tudor era! 🏰⚔️

Discover how the town grew and thrived over the centuries. Uncover the stories behind iconic landmarks like the Long Bridge and Castle Mound, and dive into maps, artefacts, and stories! 🗺️📜🛡️

05/08/2025

We're so excited to offer Tours of the Guildhall to visitors!

🕰️ During the exhibition, we’ll also be running free guided tours of the Guildhall each day at 11:30am and 2:00pm.

🔔 Medieval and Tudor Exhibition at the Guildhall

Join us from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th August for our special Medieval and Tudor Exhibition at the Guildhall.

🕰️ During the exhibition, we’ll also be running free guided tours of the Guildhall each day at 11:30am and 2:00pm.

No booking required – just come along.